1888 Mills' vice chairman, Douglas Tingle, and chief executive, Jonathan Simon, look at a length of undyed towel fabric. "We don't envision the entire industry going back to the United States -- low-cost Asian manufacturing will still be the base for volume," Simon says. "But for just-in-time...

1888 Mills' vice chairman, Douglas Tingle, and chief executive, Jonathan Simon, look at a length of undyed towel fabric. "We don't envision the entire industry going back to the United States -- low-cost Asian manufacturing will still be the base for volume," Simon says. "But for just-in-time... (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Harold Chapell, 56, lost his job when the textile mill where he worked closed its doors. He and Tanya Chappell still live in housing that was originally built for mill workers.

Harold Chapell, 56, lost his job when the textile mill where he worked closed its doors. He and Tanya Chappell still live in housing that was originally built for mill workers. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)